A vaginal yeast infection is an annoying affair. Vaginal thrush becomes particularly unpleasant when it takes on chronic features and returns at regular intervals. The fungus responsible is usually Candida albicans, a yeast fungus that uses every weakness of the immune system to spread – whether in the intestines, on the skin or in the vagina.

Vaginal thrush – When itching becomes torture

Many women repeatedly suffer from vaginal thrush (also known as vaginal mycosis) – a fungal infection of the vaginal mucosa. The treatment in the gynecological practice usually works quickly. But it is not uncommon for the vaginal thrush to return just as quickly. While a fungal infection on the skin or in the intestines does not necessarily manifest itself with itching, vaginal thrush does so with sometimes unbearable vehemence. However, any attempt to relieve the itching by rubbing makes the problem even worse, as now the itching can be joined by a painful burning sensation.

The mucous membranes in the vagina are attacked so strongly by the fungus that sexual intercourse also becomes a challenge. Apart from the fact that sexual intercourse with a fungal infection is not recommended because of the high risk of infection. In the early stages of the vaginal yeast infection, particularly intense sensations during sex can indicate the fungal infection in the first place. Within a short time, however, the fungus spreads in such a way that sexual intercourse is often only possible with pain. Since vaginal thrush can also manifest itself as a burning sensation when urinating, some women initially think of a bladder infection.

Vaginal thrush caused by Candida albicans

The yeast fungus Candida albicans is usually responsible for a vaginal yeast infection. In about 80 percent of all cases, it causes unpleasant itching, pain and discharge in the vagina.

Candida fungi are all around us and can therefore settle on many different parts of the body. Candida albicans can be found on the skin as well as on the mucous membranes in the mouth, nose and throat, yes, in the entire digestive system, but also on the male and female sexual organs.

However, the mere presence of the Candida fungus does not trigger a fungal infection. As long as the fungus does not multiply excessively, it does not harm health ( 3 ).

However, if the conditions are right, i.e. if the human immune system is weakened – for whatever reason – then the fungus takes the opportunity and spreads massively. The characteristic symptoms are immediately noticeable:

The symptoms

A vaginal yeast infection can be accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Reddened and swollen vaginal mucous membranes
• Severe itching and burning in the vaginal area
• Burning when urinating
• Whitish (also crumbly) discharge with a faint odor
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Vaginal thrush or bacterial vaginosis

Very similar symptoms can occur with bacterial vaginosis, although it is not a fungal infection, but a bacterial infection of the vagina. Only the discharge is not crumbly, but liquid. In addition, vaginosis usually causes an unpleasant intimate odor.

Which mushroom?

Candida albicans is not always the trigger for the symptoms of a fungal infection. It could also be Candida glabrata, Candida krusei or even a bacterial infection, the latter usually differing from a fungal infection by a very unpleasant, fishy intimate odor.

Candida glabrata and Candida krusei are resistant to the usual dosages of all conventional antifungal drugs approved for gynecological purposes, or at least not sufficiently effective. Therefore, before prescribing medication, the gynecologist should clarify which type of Candida is the trigger of the infection.

Of course, a bacterial infection is also ruled out or possibly confirmed.

If you want to approach the fungal infection in a holistic way, it is irrelevant which Candida species is up to mischief, as the holistic measures contribute to the restoration of an overall healthy body environment, where neither pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria nor fungi should feel comfortable.

However, since a fungal infection of the vagina also facilitates the settlement of harmful bacteria if it spreads massively, which can lead to inflammation in the abdomen, which in turn could lead to blocked fallopian tubes and thus possible infertility, the use of conventional medical drugs against fungal infestation cannot be outright rejected.

In the case of severe vaginal yeast infections, the combination of conventional medicine and holistic measures would be ideal. In the case of a mild infection, the latter are usually completely sufficient.

Fungal infection in men

Of course, men cannot suffer a vaginal yeast infection due to the lack of a vagina, but Candida albicans can also target the penis.

If this is the case, the symptoms typical of a woman’s vaginal thrush hardly appear. This is because, unlike the vagina, the penis is rather dry, so that the fungi cannot spread quite as quickly there.

However, the situation is somewhat different for men with a narrowing of the foreskin. Here the fungi find the slightly moist and protected environment they need to reproduce. Now the typical symptoms such as itching, redness and white coating on the glans can also be visible in men.

Vaginal thrush: Attention risk of infection!

The fungi responsible for vaginal yeast infections are extremely sociable. This means that they quickly “hop” from one person to another. Therefore, the risk of infection is particularly high during sexual intercourse.

Men suffer from a fungal infection of the genital area – as mentioned – almost not at all. But they can certainly be carriers of the fungus. In this way, it is easy to constantly re-infect each other between two sexual partners.

In the case of a persistent vaginal thrush, it would therefore be advisable for the man to also be treated as a precaution or at least examined once by a urologist – even if he has no symptoms.

It is not uncommon for women to observe that a separation from the chronic vaginal thrush only takes place after separation from the current partner – and possibly only because the partner refused to participate in the antifungal therapy.

But where does the fungus come from in the first place? What is the reason why it can spread so widely and colonize the mucous membranes undisturbed?

The causes

A vaginal yeast infection can have many causes. In most cases, however, several causes occur at the same time – especially from a holistic point of view.

The vaginal flora suffers

Most people still associate a vaginal yeast infection with a lack of hygiene. But that’s not necessarily true. Often, the opposite is the case – namely exaggerated hygiene with disinfecting intimate hygiene products.

These destroy the natural vaginal flora, thus removing the body’s own protection of the vagina and consequently creating an ideal habitat for fungi.

The use of pure water to clean the intimate area – in combination with a fragrance-free washing lotion from the natural cosmetics sector – is therefore perfectly sufficient.

This point alone shows that it is not the fungus itself that is the problem, but the body environment. Only when it is disturbed in such a way that the fungus can settle and multiply does it do so. In a strong and balanced body environment, no fungus dares to come out, which means that there is no fungal invasion!

Nowadays, a disturbed body environment usually manifests itself in a combination of chronic hyperacidity, a weakened immune system and a disharmonious intestinal flora (dysbacterium or dysbiosis).

Vaginal thrush due to hyperacidity

Chronic hyperacidity of the body is manifested in the fact that in areas of the body that are actually alkaline, such as the small intestine, the pH values decrease (i.e. become acidic) and at the same time rise (i.e. become less acidic or even alkaline) where an acidic pH value should normally prevail, such as in the vagina.

Of course, this also has an impact on the microorganisms living there, which now have to adapt to the changed habitat (including pH value). However, it is precisely the lactic acid bacteria that provide the acidic pH value in the vagina that can no longer survive when the pH value rises – in contrast to fungi.

The fungi are now finding more and more habitat, as the healthy vaginal flora (lactic acid bacteria) slowly disappears and thus makes room for the fungi.

At the same time, a shift in the natural pH values irritates the sensitive mucous membranes. This irritation damages the mucosal tissue.

A damaged mucous membrane is – in addition to a generous amount of sugar through a carbohydrate-rich diet – just about the best thing that the fungi can find.

They prefer to settle here and, in addition to sugar, also feed on the dying cells of the ailing vaginal mucosa. Consequently, fungi find ideal living conditions in an over acidified body.
Read how to fix this further below.

Vaginal thrush caused by intestinal fungus

Vaginal thrush often originates in the intestine. If the intestinal mucous membranes are colonized with fungi due to existing hyperacidity, the way to the vaginal mucosa is not far away. A vaginal thrush therefore very often occurs especially when an intestinal fungus is already present.

This means that in the case of a vaginal yeast infection, the intestines should always be cleansed. This is the only way to prevent the intestinal fungi from repeatedly triggering infections in the vaginal area and the intestinal fungus from becoming vaginal fungus.

Intestinal cleansing with build-up of the intestinal flora pushes the fungus back. Since a healthy intestinal flora is also an important part of the immune system, this measure also strengthens the immune system, which is weakened by fungal infections.

Vaginal thrush due to weak immune system

Various other factors can now also weaken or suppress the immune system and thus pave the way for vaginal thrush:

These include medications such as cortisone and immunosuppressants, but also chronic stress, which drains the body in the long term and makes it susceptible to diseases of all kinds and, of course, to fungal infections.

Particularly often, the use of antibiotics not only promotes the development of an intestinal fungal infection, but also that of a vaginal yeast infection, so that very often the disease for which antibiotics were taken disappears, but immediately afterwards the itching in the vagina begins.

Vaginal thrush can be triggered by antibiotics

An antibiotic is prescribed by a doctor for almost all bacterial diseases. Although it kills the bacterial pathogens, the beneficial bacteria of the intestinal and vaginal flora are not spared from this rigorous measure either.

The result of antibiotic treatment is therefore always a disturbed mucosal colonization both in the intestine and in the vagina.

Since an antibiotic only kills bacteria and thus cannot harm the fungi, the fungi are happy when an antibiotic arrives in the body. The drug reduces the health-promoting bacteria and thus changes the previously balanced intestinal and vaginal flora in favor of the fungi ( 2 ).

Another aspect that favors the colonization of vaginal thrush is the intake of hormones, such as the contraceptive pill.

Birth control pill can promote vaginal thrush

By taking synthetic hormone preparations such as the contraceptive pill, the hormonal system can become unbalanced. Some hormones also literally stimulate fungal growth – and the hormone estrogen is apparently one of them, of course only if other conditions are met.

However, it is not yet entirely clear whether fungi need the hormone itself for their growth or whether they can “rebuild” it and thus use it for their reproduction.

However, all scientists researching in this field agree that the estrogen-containing contraceptive pill is a risk factor for the development of a fungal infection (among other things!).

If you have a tendency to frequent vaginal yeast infections, it is therefore enormously worthwhile to think about changing pills or a hormone-free contraceptive method and to practice a hormone diet that helps regulate the hormone balance.

Vaginal thrush caused by synthetic fibers

Another trigger for the development of vaginal yeast infections can be underwear. Which woman still wears the good old cotton panties today? Instead, synthetically dyed synthetic fibers are in vogue.

However, the synthetic dyes are also absorbed by the sensitive mucous membrane and can thus trigger allergic reactions. This makes the skin particularly susceptible to fungal infections.

Another major disadvantage of synthetic underwear is that it hinders the breathability of the skin. When worn, heat and moisture build-up occurs. This warm and humid climate attracts fungi almost magically.

Do not use tampons for vaginal thrush

Of course, wearing tampons alone hardly leads to a vaginal yeast infection.

However, if the vaginal flora is already disturbed in its natural balance and the mucous membranes are dry and irritated, then tampons lead to an intensification of these problems and thus promote the settlement of vaginal yeast infections.

So if you are prone to vaginal yeast infections, you should not use tampons. Try a washable pad or cup instead.

When vaginal thrush becomes chronic

If you observe the typical symptoms of vaginal thrush, the first way will probably be to see a doctor. After the diagnosis, you will most likely receive an antifungal drug, i.e. a medication against fungal infestation – in the form of tablets, creams or suppositories or even a combination of these.

The remedy usually works quickly. And just as quickly you forget about the fungus. However, he often returns quickly ( 10 ). For some women, this is the case several times a year or even monthly, namely shortly after the period. Again and again, it also happens that after several applications of the drug, it no longer works and the fungus can hardly be influenced by it.

In both cases, one speaks of chronic vaginal thrush, which has a very severe impact on the lives of those affected. Constant itching and pain torment you day after day. In professional life, concentration suffers as a result and a fulfilled love life is almost no longer possible, which of course puts many a partnership to the test.

Some doctors do not exactly contribute to the improvement of the condition, as they are often at a loss in the case of therapy-resistant chronic vaginal thrush and have to send their patients away again without any real help. From a holistic point of view, however, there are many measures that can be taken against chronic fungal infections.

Intelligently combined, they not only ensure the death of the fungi, but in particular that the environment of the body finds its way back into its healthy balance, that the intestinal and vaginal flora is rebuilt, the immune system is strengthened and any possible hyperacidity is reduced. At the same time, the vaginal mucosa can regenerate and reach its healthy pH value.

As a result, the rug is pulled out from under the feet of the vaginal thrush, so to speak. It finds neither food nor habitat and says goodbye permanently.

Holistic measures for vaginal thrush

Some of the necessary measures result from the possible causes mentioned above.

This includes proper intimate hygiene with ideally fragrance-free natural cosmetic body care products, cotton underwear and avoiding tampons. Antibiotics should really only be taken in the highest emergency and contraception should also be reconsidered, if it has so far been done by hormonal means.

Other steps on the way to be fungus-free are the following:

Combating vaginal thrush

Of course, it is essential to kill the fungi first so that they cannot multiply any further. In the naturopathic field, for example, Grapefruit Seed Extract or Oregano Oil can be used internally.

Grapefruit seed extract can be used internally and/or externally. Internally, take 3 – 5 drops to a glass of water. For external use, mix 10 drops of grapefruit seed extract with a glass of water (150 – 200 ml) and use it to perform vaginal douching once or twice a day in the case of extreme vaginal thrush ( 1 ).

Vaginal douching is very easy to perform. All you need is a so-called enema. This is usually offered with two or even three different attachments. Two are for colon cleansing and a longer tube is for vaginal douches.

However, vaginal douching should only be used in combination with probiotic suppositories to build up the vaginal flora, otherwise the vaginal flora could suffer even more. If you can’t get vaginal suppositories you can make a douche with probiotic rich yoghurt or feed a couple of spoons of the yoghurt directly into the vagina and leave overnight.

Oregano oil can also be used internally and/or externally. You can read here how oregano oil can be used for vaginal thrush or Candida infections in general – best combined with coconut oil or use our information about a natural antibiotic that you make yourself.

In addition, colloidal silver can be applied externally after intimate cleansing. It is ideal to spray the colloidal silver on the labia with a pump atomizer and carefully distribute it in the entrance area of the vagina with meticulously cleaned hands. The hands are then carefully washed again.

Another option would be to insert a tampon soaked in colloidal silver overnight and let it soak in. (For medical purposes, the use of tampon is unproblematic. Only for menstruation no tampons should be used (if you are prone to vaginal thrush).

Coconut oil against vaginal thrush

The effects of a vaginal yeast infection, such as itching, burning or discharge, also cause the skin in the outer vaginal area to be attacked. The constant stimuli make them sore and small, painful cracks can develop.

Coconut oil accelerates wound healing as well as the healthy structure of the skin. But coconut oil has other properties that are particularly valuable in connection with fungal infections.

The laurylic acid contained in large quantities destroys the cell walls of the fungi, so that they ultimately die. And it also has a strong antibacterial effect. This means that coconut oil both eliminates fungi and curbs inflammation.

Coconut oil is also extremely skin-caring, so it can be recommended as optimal skin care for the vaginal area – both preventively and for acute complaints.

Take a teaspoon-sized portion of coconut oil in your hand, wait a few seconds for it to melt and then apply the coconut oil to both the labia and the entrance area of the vagina – just as you would with a care lotion or intimate care oil.

Cistus tea against vaginal thrush

Cistus incanus is a very drought-resistant pink flowering plant from the Mediterranean mountains ( 4 ). It is considered a medicinal herb that already enjoyed great popularity in ancient times. And that’s no wonder, because cistus tea (Rock Rose) is a jack-of-all-trades in terms of health.

As a powerful antioxidant, cistus helps to intercept the dangerous free radicals in the body. It prevents the spread of pro-inflammatory bacteria and fights many fungal species – including Candida albicans ( 9 ).

Cistus tea is therefore an ideal drink during a fungal infection, but also in general in times of weakened immune system. It is best to use Cistus tea daily for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. During this time, it can fully develop its effect.

The preparation of the tea is very simple: put 2 teaspoons of the herb in a large cup, pour boiling water over it and let it steep for at least 5 minutes.

To spice up the taste of the Cistus tea a little, you can add 2 stalks of fresh mint or 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried mint before brewing.

Structure of the vaginal flora

As explained above, in the case of a vaginal yeast infection, the intestines are usually also contaminated with fungi. Therefore, intestinal cleansing, including the development of the intestinal flora, is an important holistic measure even for vaginal thrush.

High-quality probiotics, which are used to build up the intestinal flora, also serve to build up a healthy vaginal flora – and it is precisely this that is completely out of balance in a vaginal thrush.

It is known that the vaginal flora can be directed in the healthy direction by the vaginal suppositories mentioned below. However, scientific studies have shown that the oral intake of probiotic bacterial cultures can also have a positive effect on the vaginal environment ( 8 ).

Although it has always been doubted that probiotic bacteria survive the digestive system, researchers at the Alfred Fournier Institute in Paris, for example, proved in 2012 that a four-week probiotic intake leads to colonization of the vaginal mucosa with the ingested bacterial cultures (7).

In said studies, two Lactobacillus strains had proven to be particularly beneficial: Lactobacillus reuteri and Lactobacillus rhamnosus ( 6 ). So when buying probiotics to be taken orally, make sure not only that they are packaged in enteric-coated capsules, but also the composition of the probiotics in question ( 5 ).

In the course of intestinal cleansing, however, it is not only the intestinal and vaginal flora that is built up. In addition, pollutants and toxins that overwhelm the immune system are also dissolved, bound and then excreted. These pollutants also include the fungi killed (by the above measures or also by conventional medicines) and the fungal toxins released by them.

If they were to remain in the intestine, a healthy intestinal environment would be difficult to restore.

You can read more about how to easily help with Intestinal cleansing in our Library.

Deacidification in vaginal thrush

Intestinal cleansing alone will provide a significant improvement in the internal environment and also the first elimination of many excess acids.

Whether a specific deacidification is necessary afterwards is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Therefore, proceed step by step and tackle deacidification very slowly, for the time being, especially with an alkaline-surplus diet, which excellently supports intestinal cleansing and also the regeneration of the vaginal mucosa.

Since an alkaline diet is free of industrial sugars, it fits perfectly into any anti-fungal program.

Alkaline-surplus and sugar-free diet

An alkaline-surplus diet protects the organism not only from excessive amounts of sugar, but also from the other stresses and acids of the usual diet.

At the same time, it optimally supplies the organism with all nutrients and vital substances.

In the case of an alkaline-surplus diet, make sure that you avoid sugary foods (including sweet fruits) and drinks, avoid ready-made meals and eliminate white flour products, meat, coffee and alcohol.

At the same time, increase the consumption of salads, vegetables, almonds and sprouts. These are alkaline-forming foods that are indispensable for restoring a healthy acid-base balance.

In addition, drink at least 40 ml of still water per kilogram of body weight (approx. 2 to 3 litres) every day so that the acids released can be excreted as quickly as possible in the urine.

Furthermore, do not be irritated by statements that claim that an industrial sugar-free or low-carbohydrate diet does not help with vaginal yeast infections. Since an industrial sugar-free diet can not only curb fungal infections, but has many other benefits, just give it a try.

You will very quickly be able to confirm that this measure is well suited to prevent the vaginal thrush from multiplying.

Strengthening of the immune system in vaginal thrush

In addition to the right diet, you should also take measures to strengthen your immune system.

Therefore, avoid stress and arguments. Both are exhausting and make you susceptible to fungal infections.

Get a good night’s sleep and go to bed early.

Make sure you get enough exercise outside and don’t forget the right vitamin D supply and make sure you get enough vitamin C and zinc.

Vaginal suppositories with lactic acid bacteria for vaginal thrush

The use of so-called vaginal suppositories is also a very effective measure to prevent the unpleasant side effects of a vaginal yeast infection.

The suppositories contain those lactic acid bacteria that are normally found on a healthy vaginal mucosa. Their presence maintains a healthy pH in the vaginal area and protects the mucous membrane from attacks by other germs.

In the case of an infection of the vagina, according to numerous scientific studies, lactobacillus suppositories can help to restore the healthy colonization of the mucous membrane, so that the annoying itching and burning as well as the discharge subside quickly. This is a great relief for all affected women.

The bacteria it contains perfectly round off the holistic package of measures for vaginal yeast infections. If you can’t get suppositories you can buy some probiotic and mix in some yoghurt and feed it at night into the vagina.

Silicon against vaginal thrush

Since the vaginal mucosa also suffers greatly from a vaginal yeast infection, a holistic program against vaginal thrush should also include measures that promote the regeneration of the vaginal mucosa.

In addition to foods rich in vitamin A, silicon is also an important trace element – which has a particular effect on the skin and mucous membranes. Silicon supports and accelerates healing processes of all kinds, helps to close the cracks in the vaginal mucosa and thus promotes the rehabilitation of the intestinal and vaginal flora.

Silicon can be used internally and externally. When taken internally, pay attention to a dose that provides you with about 75 mg of silicon daily and thus covers the needs of an adult.

External application for vaginal thrush can be done by spraying diluted silicon concentrate. Another variant is to stir organic silicon concentrate into liquid coconut oil (coconut oil melts at temperatures above 25 degrees). The silicon-coconut oil mixture then solidifies again at a temperature of below 25 degrees and can now be used as a nourishing ointment for the intimate area or as a lubricant (not with condoms).

In conclusion, as always, you can’t implement all the tips at the same time. The most important is the change in diet and the strengthening of the immune system. From the local applications, choose one that you like or swop every few days.